The Bellingham boys' basketball team led early but saw that lead slip away as it lost 60-53 against Seattle Christian in its first game of the Cloud 9 Sports Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Lynden Christian High School.

Bellingham's built a comfortable lead in the first quarter, but three consecutive turnovers in the second quarter led to easy baskets for Seattle Christian as it held a four-point halftime lead.

Seattle Christian's Richard Jensen took over from there. He scored 15 second-half points as part of his game-high 24 total.

Seattle Christian was efficient from the foul line, making 22 of its 33 for the game and 9 of 12 in the fourth quarter. Bellingham made just 9 of 18 in the game.

It was the sixth straight loss for the Red Raiders, who fell to 1-7 overall.

"Overall we are a work in progress," Bellingham coach Ken Crawford said in a phone interview. "We are getting a little closer each time."

Kyle Redmond led the Red Raiders with 13 points and Alex Check added 12.

Bellingham plays Edmonds Woodway the second day of the Cloud 9 Sports Lynden Christmas Classic at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.

SEATTLE CHRISTIAN 60, BELLINGHAM 53

Bellingham 15 6 14 18 - 53

Seattle Christian 8 18 17 17 - 60

Bellingham: Alex Check 12, Cyrus Davies 0, Derek Guy 2, Tristan Hurley 5, Niall Quinn 0, Kyle Redmond 13, Marcus Reynolds 6, Yeung Yip 0, Keande Washington 0, Nick Zeegers 5, Blake Zender 8. Team totals: 9-18 (FT) 53.

Seattle Christian: Shawn Abe 5, Chaise DeVries 16, Joey Grachek 0, Richard Jensen 24, Cody Miller 8, Kyle Pierotti 2, Shane Pierotti 0, Tyler Stein 3. Team totals: 22-33 (FT) 60.

3-ptg: Bellingham 4 (Kyle Redmond 2), Seattle Christian 0. Fouls: Bellingham 21 (Alex Check 5), Seattle Christian 12.